According to royal author Hugo Vickers, the late monarch — who was known to share a close relationship with her grandson — initially welcomed Meghan warmly. When Harry and Meghan began dating in 2016, the Queen reportedly described the former actress as a “breath of fresh air” and even invited her to spend Christmas at Sandringham before the couple were married.
However, Vickers claims that behind the scenes, the Queen had concerns.
“The Queen herself suggested that Harry should wait a year,” he wrote.
“He did not take her advice. Instead, as we know, the wedding went ahead just over six months after the couple’s engagement.”
Reactions and Debate Around the Claims
Discussing the revelations, comedian Diane Spencer weighed in during a television appearance, saying:
“You’ve got to listen to your nana! You’ve got to listen to your nana when it comes to stuff like this!”
However, presenter Alex Armstrong defended the couple, pointing out that Harry and Meghan now have two children and appear happy. Spencer responded skeptically:
“Well, you think?”
She also referenced reports about Meghan’s behavior, adding:
“What I have found interesting are the reports coming out – there was a report from Variety about Meghan’s behaviour – she literally corrects him (Harry) mid-topic,”
“So he’ll say something – she’ll correct him, rephrase what he’s saying and she will pat him. And it is the most controlling behaviour.”
She argued that public reaction might differ if the situation were reversed:
“People would be going, ‘Look at the way he controls her, this is absolutely terrible!’”
The Queen’s Reported Reservations
Vickers further claimed that by the time of the wedding in May 2018, the Queen’s attitude had shifted.
“Someone close to the monarch told me her attitude to the actual wedding was: ‘You get on with it. It’s nothing to do with me’,” he wrote.
“It was said that the Queen did not like the dress – too white and with ungainly shoulders.”
Similar accounts have been shared by author Sally Bedell Smith, who cited conversations with Lady Elizabeth Anson, a close confidante of the Queen.
Initially, Lady Elizabeth described Meghan as “full of charm,” but her view reportedly changed over time.
“Meghan could turn into nothing but trouble,” she later said.